US$38K Grant for Short Film Projects
HK Producer John CHONG as Chief Mentor
Plus: Premiere of AFA18 Youth Ambassadors’ Visual Story A Reflection on Mesmerising Encounters in Cinema

US$38K Grant for Short Film Projects
HK Producer John CHONG as Chief Mentor
Plus: Premiere of AFA18 Youth Ambassadors’ Visual Story A Reflection on Mesmerising Encounters in Cinema

Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, with patronages of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, and the support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Sands China Limited, and Shaw Studios as sponsors, the International Film Camp (IFC) 2025 officially launched today with a press conference announcing event details and the opening of submission. The event was attended by renowned film figures, including producer John CHONG; directors Stanley KWAN, Nick CHEUK, and Tracy CHOI; and actors Natalie HSU, LAM Yiu Sing, Rachel LEUNG, and LO Chun Yip. A short film with the four Youth Ambassadors of this year’s Asian Film Awards also premiered at the event, showcasing the diverse talents and vibrant presence of new generation Asian actors.

Last year, IFC drew an overwhelming response, with more than 500 applications from aspiring filmmakers across Asia. Among the selected projects, two Hong Kong productions—Sweet, Sour and Bitter… and Once upon a time there was a Mountain—had their world premieres this April at the 27th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Wilfred WONG, Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, emphasised IFC’s mission to nurture emerging Asian talents by offering hands-on creative

experience and tailored professional guidance. This September, 16 selected applicants will be invited to a five-day intensive programme hosted at the integrated resorts operated by Sands China. Participants will benefit from one-on-one mentorship with established industry veterans, attend exclusive masterclasses, and pitch their short film projects to a panel of industry experts. Eight of them will each receive production funding of HKD 300,000 (approx. USD 38,000) to bring their vision to life, with the opportunity to showcase their short films at international festivals.

Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Limited, Chief Mentor John CHONG, and masterclass speaker Director Stanley KWAN also took the stage to share their thoughts. The two filmmakers emphasised that IFC offers a rare opportunity for budding directors to receive comprehensive support—from idea development to pitching and production—helping them refine their creative voice and cinematic language. Roger GARCIA, Director of IFC, also delivered a video message, encouraging young talents across Asia to apply and take part in this unique experience. Esteemed film professionals TENG Lee Yein and Mathew TANG will serve as advisors, while acclaimed directors CHAN Hing Kai, CHEN Daming, and Anthony CHEN will join as mentors. More renowned industry professionals will be joining. Stay tuned for the full lineup!

Directors Nick CHEUK and Tracy CHOI, joined by actor LO Chun Yip—who also has experience creating and starring in short films—shared how making shorts marked the beginning of their journey into the film industry. Reflecting on the challenges and lessons from their early days, they emphasised how valuable platforms like IFC are in offering the next generation of directors a vital space to learn and grow through real-world experience. Actors Natalie HSU, LAM Yiu Sing, and Rachel LEUNG offered their perspective as performers, reflecting on the excitement of working with new directors and participating in short film projects. They encouraged young creators to take that first step, highlighting that short films aren’t just practice—they’re a powerful gateway into cinematic storytelling and building creative connections.

For the first time, the press conference also unveiled a new short film featuring this year’s Asian Film Awards Youth Ambassadors: Aokbab Chutimon from Thailand, Austin LIN from Taiwan, LO Chun Yip from Hong Kong, and OKADA Masaki from. The film offers an intimate glimpse into the emotional journey of being an actor. It serves as their reflection on the past and their gaze toward what is to come. A celebration of cinema where to connect, transform, and reveal. The short film will be released soon on AFAA’s social media platforms.

How to Apply: International Film Camp 2025

The second International Film Camp will take place from 11 to 15 September 2025 at the integrated resorts operated by Sands China in Macao. Over five intensive days, selected participants will engage in a range of activities, including one-on-one mentorship sessions with veteran filmmakers, masterclasses, and panel discussions.

A pitching session at the end of the camp will give all 16 selected filmmakers the chance to present their short film projects to a panel of industry experts. Eight participants will each be awarded a production grant of HKD 300,000 (approx. USD 38,000) to produce a 15–25-minute short film, to be completed by December 2025..

The theme this year is “My Best Friend”. Applicants are invited to develop short film concepts inspired by stories of friendship, and personal bonds—revealing the ways young Asian creatives perceive and interpret human connections.

Applications open on 20 June 2025 until 20 July 2025.

Emerging filmmakers are welcome to apply. Key eligibility criteria include being between the ages of 21 and 40, of Asian nationality or origin, and having experience in short film or video production. Applicants must not have directed more than one feature-length film and should demonstrate strong creative potential.

To apply, candidates must submit a résumé (including that of their key team members, such as the producer), a one-page synopsis, a one-page statement outlining the project and the applicant’s career goals, a rough production budget, and a demo reel of their previous work. For full application details, please visit our website.

Application Link: https://www.afa-academy.com/round/ifc2nd/

Application Details: https://bit.ly/ifc2025guidelines

Asian Film Awards Academy

The Asian Film Awards Academy was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals in 2013 with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.

The Asian Film Awards was inaugurated in 2007, where members of AFAA are drawn from its past nominees and winners. Members vote for the Asian Film Awards and participate in various AFAA activities involving film professionals and audiences in Asia and around the world.

Official Website: www.afa-academy.com

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK)

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), established in June 2024 and formerly known as Create Hong Kong, is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. It provides one- stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries.

Official Website: https://www.ccidahk.gov.hk

Film Development Fund (FDF)

The Film Development Fund (FDF) was first set up by the Government in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong. Since 2005, the Government has injected a total of $1.54 billion into FDF to support Hong Kong’s film industry along four strategic directions, namely nurturing talent, enhancing local production, expanding markets and building audience. In the past, FDF has supported a number of film productions and other film-related projects through various film production funding schemes and other film-related project schemes.

Official Website: https://www.fdc.gov.hk

Sands China Limited

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at the Cotai Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

Official Website: www.sandschina.com

Shaw Studios

Funded through the Sir Run Run Shaw Charitable Trust, Shaw Studios is the crowning achievement of its founder Mr. Run Run Shaw, legendary film and television pioneer and respected philanthropist. It is home to over one thousand Chinese classic films and hosts one of the largest and most advanced film facilities in Asia, with a full-service film and digital, picture and audio production and post-production facility, including theatrical Dolby Atmos studio and Dolby Vision colour grading suite.

Official Website: www.shawstudios.hk